The Great Bear Chase had several board members on hand to witness and/or participate in the event, and we know from past experience that hundreds of Birkie enthusiasts will be making their way to the Keweenaw in two weeks for the 33rd annual Portage Health Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon on Saturday, March 9.

“There is no better way to end your ski season than a trip up to the Keweenaw to participate in the Great Bear Chase,” said Craig Hughes, a board member who completed several ski races this year. “It’s shocking to many of the people from Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota that come up to the GBC, because many of them don’t have any snow on the ground by the time March comes around. Up here we’re still measuring our snow base in feet most years, including this one.”

The snow has hit the Keweenaw especially hard this year, and it should mean great racing condition. Plus, what better way to prepare for the 2014 Birkie than to get in a good qualifying race while you’re still in 2013 shape! Yes, our race is a 2014 Birkie qualifier.